The Transportation Security Administration is rejecting some valid Real IDs from Tennessee at airport security checkpoints, prompting the state to offer free replacements to affected travelers.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security confirmed the issue in a Facebook post on August 11, adding that travelers with affected IDs can get a free replacement. The agency said it is currently unsure of the cause of the issue.
“We are reviewing the affected licenses to determine the cause and correct the issue,” the agency stated.
A TSA spokesperson cited a link to the Facebook post in a statement, adding that the agency works quickly to verify travelers’ identities as they pass through checkpoints.
“When a Tennessee driver’s license encounters an issue at the TSA travel document checker podium, officers work as expeditiously as possible to verify each passenger for security screening,” TSA told TheTravel.
The Scanning Problem
The Tennessee Department of Safety confirmed the issue to TheTravel, adding that it has reached out to the license vendor to determine the cause.
“We are aware that a small number of driver licenses are not being read by TSA. As soon as we learned of the issue, we contacted the vendor that produces these documents to determine the cause. Anyone who experiences this problem can visit a Driver Services Center and receive a replacement license at no cost,” the Tennessee Department of Safety stated.
The agency added that it would provide more information on the ongoing issue as it becomes available.
Travelers’ Experiences
Many Tennesseans weighed in on TDSHS’ social media post about their experiences having their valid IDs rejected at airports. Some explained that the scanning issue stems from the IDs having black-and-white portraits that are too light.
“I went and had mine redone. They even took a new picture and it still came out too light for TSA,” one person wrote.
More shared that, despite the issue, they were still able to pass through security after additional verification. One traveler shared that their license wouldn’t scan at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, but TSA was able to verify their identity using an expired ID.
Another person said that his wife has had her license replaced twice and is still experiencing issues, but affirmed that a TSA supervisor still allows her to go through after reviewing her identification.
Similar Issues with Tribal IDs
These issues come over a year after similar ones were reported for travelers’ valid tribal IDs. TSA accepts IDs from federally recognized Tribes, but if an ID cannot be scanned, travelers may be asked for a secondary ID or the tribal ID will be inspected manually and cross-referenced with the Federal Register.
What Tennessee Travelers Should Do
Those with licenses that are not being accepted at TSA checkpoints can visit a Driver Services Center to receive a free replacement. Travelers should be aware that it can take 10 to 20 days after the print date to receive the new card, according to TDSHS.
The Bottom Line
TSA is rejecting some valid Tennessee Real IDs at airport security checkpoints due to a scanning issue. The Tennessee Department of Safety is offering free replacements while it works with its vendor to determine the cause. Travelers whose IDs are rejected can still pass through security after additional verification, but are advised to allow extra time or carry a secondary form of identification.
